. >> after years of deficits in california there is finally light at the end of the tunnel but that would change if the nation goes over the fiscal cliff. ktvu's ken pritchett is live with how failure in washington will hurt california. . >> reporter: reaching a deal tonight would be important. people next month make less money so they spend less and within 5 weeks california will see sales tax revenue drop. if there is no deal tax increases kick in, smaller pay checks for most americans. >> reporter: [ inaudible question ] >> absolutely. >> the unknown. >> i would not do the emotional shopping. it would be more the need. instead of the want. >> less spending, a rapid hit to the economy. >> february when we see the january sales tax receipts we may see a dip. >> reporter: california could be back to a big budget deficit. >> that could translate into a hit of $11 billion over two years. >> reporter: all of that could be avoided if a deal in washington is reached tonight. >> i don't think so. i don't think so. >> reporter: consumer spending is one of many examples of how california could be